The Falcons got back to winning ways with a convincing victory over Sheffield Engineers. Sheffield started stronger however and on their first attack the pacey full back came into the line cutting through by the sticks. Conversion missed.
5-0 Sheffield Engineers.
This was the wake up call needed and Huddersfield soon took control, playing a controlled game into the fierce headwind. An excellent break by debutant 17yr old Joe Morrison at full back was held up just short. A couple of drives to the line and fellow academy player Leighton Davis burrowed over from close range. Conv missed. 5-5.
Shortly after, a quick tap by another debutant Josh Newton started a flowing move down the right of the pitch. Lovely hands put Elliot Hodgson into space to dance over. Conv missed 5-10 Field.
On 30 mins rugby league legend Lee Smith took the ball to the gain line from a scrum in midfield, before subtley popping the ball to fellow legend James Davies. Davies charged up the middle of the pitch before being smashed by the full back. Harry Woodhouse was on hand for the offload and touched down under the sticks. Conversion Josh Newton. 5-17 Field.
The fourth try bonus point was achieved just before half time when a scrum was nicked against the head and Elliott Spiers, in unfamiliar role at nine, made a great break up the middle of the pitch. The ever present and evergreen Jack McPhail popped up from the ensuing break down and was unlucky not to get over himself. However with deft hands he found Captain Neilly who rolled around two defenders and flopped over the line. Conv Newton
5-24 at half time.
The Engineers started the second half brightly but after a promising break to the Huddersfield 22 Alex Battye made a superb turnover which was quickly whipped across the backs. James Davies was blown along by the wind showing surprising pace before finding Elliot Hodgson on the outside. Hodgson gassed the winger before neatly chipping then beating another two defenders to the ball to acrobatically finish under the posts. Conv Newton 5-31 Field.
Huddersfield’s penultimate try was deservedly scored by Joe Morrison. After Spiers came away with the ball from a mall turnover, Morrison took the ball around halfway before a mazy run saw him turn two defenders inside out finishing well out right. Conv Newton 5-38 Field.
Former first team Captain Alex Battye scored the final try. After more big carries by the forwards Battye took a crash ball from 10 yards and carried a couple of defe.nders over the line with him.
5-43 Field.
The final ten minutes Huddersfield took their foot off the gas and to be fair the Engineers never stopped playing. Three tries from scrappy play were disappointing and took some gloss off the result. However with a number of debuts and a real mixture of youth and experience this was a good day for the Falcons Sheffield Engineers 22-43 Huddersfield Falcons.
